Flagler sheriff implements stricter tobacco policy for deputies

Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre is touting his new anti-tobacco measure as a way for his employees to make a "major change in their lives."

TONY HOLTSTAFF WRITER

BUNNELL — Another substance is being added to the drug-testing list at the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. New recruits won't be allowed to smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products. They must also pass a tobacco screening as part of the hiring process. If they don't pass, they don't get hired. Existing employees also must adhere to the new standards related to tobacco products. Flagler County Sheriff Jim Manfre is touting his new anti-tobacco measure as a way for his employees to make a "major change in their lives." The Volusia County Sheriff's Office allows for existing employees to smoke, but "only where expressly permitted," according to its policy. Smoking in vehicles, in agency-owned buildings and while dealing with the public is prohibited. Volusia, however, also prohibits new employees from using tobacco products, even while off duty. Violations of that policy can result in termination of employment. That part of the agency's policy was implemented in October 2007. Manfre announced the new policy in April and it took effect July 5. Debra Johnson, a sheriff's spokeswoman, said the policy remains tentative because the deputies' union hasn't approved it. Manfre said he wanted to be reasonable and allow employees "sufficient time to adjust to a smoke-free work environment." The move by the Sheriff's Office could set off a chain reaction among other departments in Flagler. "Flagler County currently does not have a policy similar to that of the Sheriff's Office," said Joseph A. Mayer, the county's community services director. "However, a proposal will be made in the near future recommending that Flagler County follow a non-nicotine hiring policy." Manfre said tobacco use and exposure is scientifically proven to cause serious health issues and death. His policy pertains to cigarettes, including the synthetic variety, chewing tobacco and snuff. "The purpose of prohibiting the use of tobacco products recognizes the hazards caused by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and related products and the financial and healthcare impact on members of the agency," according to the three-page policy paper signed by Manfre. Teresa Williams, a tobacco prevention specialist with the Flagler County Health Department, said Manfre approached her during a local health fair shortly after he was elected in November. The new sheriff told her he was interested in a new tobacco policy for his department, one that would cut back on the number of deputies who use tobacco products while on duty. Williams said she has heard from several deputies, many of whom want to break the habit because they fear heart, mouth and lung problems later in life. "A lot of them chew and some of them smoke," said Williams. "They've been calling me because so many of them want to quit." Manfre said in a news release Thursday that his agency "worked closely" with the county's human resources department and Care Here — the county's employee health clinic — to assist his employees in their efforts to quit tobacco. Manfre made available, in conjunction with Care Here, smoking cessation programs, nicotine patches, lozenges and gum and made them free to his employees, he said. If an employee is caught smoking in an agency-issued vehicle, it will result in the loss of take-home car privileges for five days and include verbal counseling. A second violation will result in a loss of take-home car privileges for 15 days and a written reprimand. Subsequent violations show a "lack of compliance" and are "subject to progressive discipline," said Manfre. The new policy, Manfre said, ensures all Sheriff's Office facilities and agency vehicles are tobacco-free areas. The policy also applies to visitors. They cannot smoke while in a Sheriff's Office-owned facility or vehicle.

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